On Snow Reporters Raving Over Conditions after the Snow!

Highways 421 and 321 were snow covered, but easily passable, early Sunday morning. We met two state trucks on 321 in route. The road to App was clear. Heavy snow flakes were falling and wind gusts were sometimes strong. The operating snow guns and the low temperature made for a cold day, but conditions were sweet. We left around 1pm and the sun was making a debut. The main roads were totally clear on the way home. The side roads remained snow covered. Our presence was requested at a Super Bowl party, so it was a short day on the slopes. Monday should allow more time.

Kent Jackson reports from Appalachian on Monday during the Special Olympics:

I had a blast taking photos at the Special Olympics. Those athletes were amazing. I wish I had the positive attitude that they portrayed. Smiles were everywhere. The volunteers did an outstanding job of making sure everything went smoothly. I also have to give the staff at Appalachian Ski Mountain kudos as well. Several of the staff members were assisting the athletes in various ways. I was also made welcome and treated with professionalism that is not seen nearly enough these days. Now for the conditions. The trails that were open were great. Fresh, packed powder everywhere. The temps were around freezing and the sun was out. The day was about as perfect as it gets around here.

Christian Davies reports from Hawksnest:It is amazing how much difference a couple of days of snow and cold can make on the slopes. I skied a few turns at Hawksnest on Monday and there was some of the best conditions – no the best conditions that I have skied so far this season. Granted I wasn’t able to ski early in the season, but conditions at Hawksnest were unreal today. The snowguns were blazing, but the sun was out and it was cold. I’d have to give it a 9.5 out of a ten. Only deep powder days get a 10, but this was sweet.

Ken skied Ski Beech on Sunday:

Well, dragged out of bed at 5am and on the road at 5:45 from Bristol. Things were going well until I hit the NC line, then unplowed, one lane roads. Road up to Beech was OK, slipped in the turns headed downhill. Got to the patrol room and suited up. Helped onload the quad chairs. Assigned to Southern Star for the opening run. Tons of guns running, 13 degrees. Opening run took 4 of us about 45 minutes to whack the snow off everything and get it looking decent.

After opening, started hunting pow. Robin’s run was fantatic, as was Shawneehaw. Moved over to Lightining and found good lines as well. Worked back to Star and hit the left side beside the trees where it blows in. The Gottama’s were loving it.

Grabbed a bite for lunch, worked two accidents, and back out for runs. Ran the hill until sweep at 4:30. Ate dinner, and back out. Robins and Shawneehaw were groomed; hit them until I got cold. Took a tumble, landed on my right shoulder and thought I broke my colar bone, guess I’ll be sore in the a.m. Gave up about 8pm and headed back over the hill to Bristol.

Not the most epic day I’ve ever had on Beech Mountain, but for this year, it was great. Beggars can’t be choosey.

Would have done pics, but the snow, fog and snowguns wouldn’t cooperate.

See you on the hill.

Ken

On-Snow Reporters:We will keep a log of the best reporter’s submission, photos and reports. Trust us it is way to time consuming to post every pic…but send them…because we are tallying the scores. The winner of the Best On Snow Reporter for 2005-2006 will win $1000 in cash, a FREE Getaway Vacation and more. The contest will run from now through March 1st and we will choose the winner. Our choice will be based on the following and IN THE ORDER of importance.

Quality of Photos

Quality of Reports (well written, informative, unbiased)

Number of Photo Submissions

Number of Reports

Extra points will be given for getting smiling faces in the photos and including names and cities where you can.

Extra points will be awarded for creative ideas.

We will choose the winner based on how helpful and informative the reports have been.

As of 02/7/2006 here are the top vote getters. (We will only document the top three to five here throughout the season…and we may begin posting the top ten, depending on how close results are.)

We have a very close race going right now with only a few points (a day or two of posts) separately the top three.

Mike is the Editor and founder of SkiSoutheast.com, SkiNC.com and ResortCams.com. Since September 1996 he has posted close to 14,000 posts, articles, photos and videos promoting all of the ski areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.Mike is the father of four daughters, is an avid skier and enjoys golf, tennis, kayaking and hiking in the mountains. Winter snowsports and Summer boating on Watauga Lake are among his favorite pastimes.

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